Apply for a Research Grant

Important Update for BRACE Grant Applicants

Due to current limited funds, BRACE Trustees Ltd (BTL) has made the decision to pause the upcoming research grant rounds to ensure we can continue to responsibly manage our reserves. This means that the December 2025 round (deadline 1 September 2025) will not go ahead, and the March 2026 round will not open as scheduled.

Please be reassured that all existing and awarded grants are fully funded, and there is no risk to these commitments. We have a policy of only awarding new grants that we can fund in full from our uncommitted reserves, and we are unable to guarantee this for now.

This is a temporary pause, and the situation will be reviewed regularly. Please continue to check our website for information.

Despite the challenges of the current economic climate, BRACE continues to invest in vital dementia research thanks to the support of all our donors and fundraisers. Over the past year we’ve funded a Consultant Senior Lecturer in Dementia Research at the University of Bristol and more than a dozen new PhD studentships and pilot projects, as well as continuing our support of the revolutionary Fastball programme and the critical work of the South West Dementia Brain Bank. We look forward to reopening applications soon and thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work to maximise our impact in dementia research.

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BRACE is a research charity dedicated solely to funding research into different forms of dementia. We seek to raise public awareness of dementia and encourage collaboration between disciplines and experiences to deepen our understanding. 

We support medical and scientific research in three main areas:  

• Understanding the brain to identify underlying causes of different dementias.
• Developing accurate and effective means of diagnosing for dementias as early as possible. 
• Finding new methods of prevention and treatment for different dementias, and ultimately a cure. 

Applications will only be considered from researchers based in academic/research institutions where there is clear evidence of existing studies on dementia. These institutions must be within the South West of England or South Wales. 

Our supported institutions: 

• University of Bath
• University of Bristol
• Cardiff University
• Cardiff Metropolitan University
• University of Exeter
• University of Plymouth
• Swansea University
• University of the West of England (UWE)

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Eligibility and Requirements

BRACE will consider applications for PhD Studentships, pilot projects and equipment grants.

PhD studentships grants will cover the cost of tuition fees. BRACE follows the MRC recommendations of a stipend and a fixed sum for consumables and other overheads, which is included in the grant. This typically is around £90,000-110,000.

Pilot projects usually last 12-18 months and cost no more than £70,000, but applicants with pilot proposals that exceed these guidelines are welcome to contact us for advice.

Equipment grants typically do not exceed more than £20,000 unless agreed.

BRACE is committed to funding high-quality research projects that contribute to the understanding, diagnosing, and treatment of dementias. The charity funds research into all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia. We welcome applications from areas related to dementia including:  

• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
• Young-onset dementia.

Dementia-related to other neurological disorders, such as dementia in Parkinson’s and dementia related to Huntington’s disease, are eligible. However, we do not accept applications where the primary research focus is not on dementia aspects of the disease. All researchers must intend to publish the results of their studies.

BRACE funds research into hypothesis-driven quantitative research into treatment, this includes drug treatment, self-management strategies, carer support and music therapy all of which can play a significant role in dementia management.

Applications will only be considered from researchers based in academic/research institutions where there is clear evidence of existing studies on dementia. These institutions must be within the South West of England or South Wales. 

Our supported institutions: 

• University of Bath
• University of Bristol
• University of Cardiff
• University of Exeter
• University of Plymouth
• University of Swansea
• University of The West of England (UWE)

A letter from the institution confirming the availability of facilitates for the proposed research project and verification of financial elements are required for consideration.

BRACE is a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities. BRACE supports the endeavours of the AMRC to achieve and maintain ethical and transparent practices in medical research, including its statement on animal testing, including a commitment to the 3Rs of reduction, replacement and refinement as basic principles of humane animal research 

Any project requiring ethical approval will only be awarded once such authorisation has been granted.